Internet Usage Tips

We're here to help!
- Don't be shy, we are here to help you! Our phone number is: 319.988.2229 - if we can't answer, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible!
- If email is your thing, you can reach us at: info@stsbroadband.com We look forward to hearing from you!
When in doubt, restart!
- Sometimes things can start moving slowly on your WiFi. This can be the result of all sorts of possible things - WiFi congestion, too many devices downloading at one particular time, or just plain old software issues. The best way to help yourself is just restart the router. In as little as 5 minutes, you can be back up and running with a simple unplugging of the power on the router, let it sit for 10-15 seconds with no power, and plugging it back in!
Why is everyone else online, but my mobile device is not!
- We've all been there, you get home from work and the family is all gathered around streaming their shows on the TV, playing their games, or just working on today's homework. But your phone is not connecting... what gives! Sometimes devices need to restart, as stated earlier. The easiest way to restart your phone's WiFi, is turning the WiFi off for 10-15 seconds, and then turning it back on! Hopefully this little trick will help in getting your mobile device (or even your computer) back online!
WiFi coverage for your home
- Sometimes coverage can be lacking at the far end of your home. This can be a hassle, now you're having to move around the house until you find the connection is strong again. Well there is a solution to this! Network meshing is a new technology that helps increase the WiFi coverage of your home by adding additional devices to your router. STS Broadband offers this convenience for our customers! Contact STS Broadband, and let our Technicians help make your online experience more enjoyable!
Smart TVs and you
- Smart TVs are the computers of today. If you think of your TV like a computer, you will know that sometimes they just need a reboot. If you notice your TV is not behaving like normal, yet all the other devices on your network are working, try the reboot method. You will need to unplug the power on the TV, let it sit for about 10-15 seconds, and plug the power back in.
- Not all TV's are alike! Sure it may say, "Smart TV" on the box, but not all hardware vendors are using the same hardware. Sometimes hardware is just "bad". But don't fret! There is still hope, even if you're using a TV that is 10 years old! There are streaming devices you can purchase such as; Roku's, Amazon Fire Sticks, or Apple TVs that are a FRACTION of the cost for a new TV! Reach out to us, and we can help you make the best decision.
What to know about internet speed tests
- Your computer friend was over at your house the other day, and showed you what your internet speeds were through this handy app on their phone. Now you have it installed, and those speeds are not consistent. Why is this? Throughout the day, your network will be doing things, whether you know it or not. There might be an update happening on your Smart TV, or your garage door opener, or that new iOS update happening on the iPad in your bedroom. These types of network utilizations require some of your "internet pipe" to complete. If you have our 30MB plan (for example), and your iPad is using 20MB of your plan to download that new iOS, that will leave you with only 10MB on your speed test. Hence you will only see the 10MB on the speed tests.
- Remember, WiFi can get congested! A true speed test can be obtained with a computer or laptop, physically plugged in to your router. This will give you the most accurate view of what your current speeds are doing. If possible, plug it in!
- Know where your speed test is actually testing to!
  - If you're trying to do a speed test to France, rather than somewhere closer to home, your tests will be showing different numbers than you would be expecting. Try to find a closer to home test server that is reliable. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out STS Broadband, and we can help lift the "fog" of this complex system called the Internet!
Gaming
- Everyone loves the flexibility that WiFi provides for our devices, but sometimes you just need that extra "edge" to make your gaming experience enjoyable. If possible, plug your gaming devices in to your router via Ethernet, and take the question of your WiFi experiencing congestion out of the equation. Hardwired is the preferred method to bring your gaming to the next level!

Internet Usage Tips

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